Sioux Falls was one of the two hundred and fifty army air bases that were constructed during the beginning of World War II. It was used as a supply center until it was closed in the middle of the 1960s when the military setup a panel that liquidized any extraneous military expenses by selling excess air bases to civilian authorities. The terminal that is used today was built in 1970 and has been used ever since the airport first started offering commercial services.

In 1990 the terminal underwent extensive renovations and remodeling to bring it into the modern era. Twelve years later the airport saw a ten thousand foot addition to the terminal that expanded the baggage claim area, rental office area, and added a United States Customs Service office along with state-of-the-art security systems that were installed in airports across the nation after 9/11. The airport serves more than half a million continental United States travelers each year.

Sioux Falls Regional Airport Car Rentals…

There are five nationally acclaimed rental car agencies that offer their services to the passengers of Sioux Falls Regional Airport. After disembarking from your plane you’ll be able to consult with any of the five rental agency representatives at their various counters located within the baggage claim area. The five you’ll have to choose from at Avis, Alamo, Enterprise, Hertz, and National.

Once you’ve signed all the rental agreement paperwork you’ll be handed the keys to your vehicle and directed to its place in the rental car parking lot. The lot is situated to the right (Southeast) of the terminal. It can be accessed via a short, simple walk from the terminal exit. Much of the walk is covered as to protect you from the elements.

Sioux Falls Regional Directions to Downtown…

After you’ve checked your car over and made sure it has a full tank of gas, you’ll leave via W National Guard Dr. You don’t really have a choice-it’s the only road out- unless you decide to do a little off-road exploration of your own. The road will fork into N Minnesota Ave. If you take a right and follow the road to w 10th St you’ll end up in downtown Sioux Falls. The rest of your options are a handful of small towns in the surrounding area that can be reached by taking I-90 or I-29 away from Sioux.

Sioux Falls Airport Car Rental Return…

To get back to the airport, simply drive back via the directions above – only in reverse. Take the vehicle back to the car rental parking lot from the area that you picked up the car from originally.

The closest gas stations can be found by turning off of N Minnesota Ave and onto E Benson Rd. You’ll run into a BP just before you reach I-229, before which you’ll have the option to turn right or left onto N Cliff Ave and check out a few other refuel options. You’ll likely end up taking one of the interstate routes to an exit near N Minnesota Ave. All routes to the area along the interstate are filled with refuel opportunities at every exit. You’ll also see more choices as you drive into the heart of Sioux Falls. Providing traffic isn’t atrocious, you should be able to get back to the airport from downtown with a full tank of gas.

Other Airport Amenities…

If you’re a frequent flyer around the United States then you’re going to love the free Wi-Fi set up at Sioux Falls Regional Airport. Otherwise the airport is rather bland, offering the usual retail and dining amenities. However, it is currently under-going an eight-figure master plan that is expected to increase the number of passengers to the airport by a hundred thousand or more each year. If all goes as planned there could be a number of changes just on the horizon, so be sure to check out the directory or ask an employee for assistance if you’re having a hard time locating something-like the rental company you prefer to work with.

Other Car Rental Options at Sioux Falls Regional Airport…

Your rental car options are fairly standard. You’ll be able to grab just about whatever you want within reason, but there aren’t exactly a plethora of each variety of vehicle available. If you really want to make sure you get the car you want at a decent price, you’re going to have to make reservations ahead of time. Last minute rental agreements always cost more than reservations made a couple months in advance. Rental companies appreciate guaranteed business by offering discounts. The longer ahead of time you plan, the bigger the discount.